Oh…and BSU is pretty great too

Hot: Badgering it out of them

Going into Saturday’s matchup with Ohio State, Wisconsin had not knocked off a number one team since I was a newborn. And Ohio State had blown its last three AP number one rankings. Hmmm….so whose statistical history would win out? The game started with an extremely exciting kickoff return for a touchdown by David Gilreath that proved to be a sign of things to come. Going into half time, the Badgers had a 18 point lead and looked unstoppable. In the second half, the Buckeyes seemed a little less willing to just watch Wisconsin run away with the win, but they just didn’t quite have the effort needed to hold on to their number one ranking. Truly excellent work, Badgers.

Not: COLINoscopy…..er…..Kaepernick

Speaking of cursed statistics….did you know that Nevada has now lost 6 straight games at Hawaii? Their last win on the island was in 1948. Apparently Colin Kaepernick buys into superstition, or the Warriors put a Haka curse on him, because he threw two interceptions and fumbled twice. One interception came on Nevada’s final drive, which if it ended with a score would have resulted in a Wolf Pack win. And one of the fumbles occurred as Kaepernick dived into the end zone and lost control of the ball, resulting in a touchback. Sigh. Thanks for nothing, Nevada. Bronco Nation should have known better than to count on you.

Hot: Return of the Mack

Nebraska fans may have been surprised about the outcome of their game against Texas Saturday, but anyone who has taken a look at the Cornhuskers’ schedule to date really should have seen it coming. Prior to this week they have faced Western Kentucky, Idaho, Washington, South Dakota State, and Kansas State. With the exception of Kansas State, not a good opponent among them. (Don’t even try to convince me of anything different, Huskies fans.) Beyond that, Texas has won nine of the teams’ last ten meetings (since joining the Big 12). At any rate, great job on stopping the losing streak and knocking off one of the remaining undefeateds, Longhorns.

Not: But we have the 6th best offense in the country

On Friday night, a Boise news station claimed that because Idaho had the sixth-best offense in the country that they would be certain to beat LA Tech on Saturday. Clearly, no one ever told them that Idaho’s defense is not good (even though it might seem like it in comparison to last year’s D) and defense, not offense, typically wins games. Saturday, Idaho’s offense did do work, accruing 526 total yards. But guess what their defense did?! Even with FOUR Bulldog turnovers, Idaho allowed LA Tech to gain 683 total yards (a school record), which was more than enough for the win.

Hot: Coach Phillips ain’t no Joker

Despite the often discussed chance of a letdown loss after a big victory, with Steve Spurrier having won 17 straight games again Kentucky, the Gamecocks seemed certain to have an easy win against the Wildcats this week. After holding Kentucky scoreless in the first half, this looked like even more of a certainty. That is, if not for Joker Phillips’ truly remarkable inspirational skills. “We challenged our guys at halftime, that we were in a street fight,” he said. “We’re in a street fight. I’m in a street fight. I want to see who has my back.” Personally, I am dumbfounded by his words, but apparently the Wildcats’ players simply needed to channel their 10-year-old Street Fighter–playing selves to become effective on the football field. Who knew? Well, Joker, apparently. Randall Cobb caught a 24-yard touchdown pass with a little over a minute remaining then added the two-point conversion to make the score 31-28. South Carolina had one last shot at getting the win, but Stephen Garcia was intercepted as time expired.

Not: Beiber Nation

How exactly Oregon State managed to even get into a predicament that would require two overtimes against WASHINGTON is baffling. But sure enough, that is what happened Saturday. As shocking as that fact might be, it was even more shocking to watch Washington start the game out with 3 unanswered touchdowns. Thankfully the Beavers woke up and performed like a team that wanted to win for the rest of the game. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. And in overtime, it was evident that Washington had all the momentum and Oregon State could merely try to keep up. Understandably, Mike Riley decided to try for the win at the end of the second overtime, going for two. Unfortunately, Ryan Katz’ spot on pass was dropped in the end zone and the Huskies were free to celebrate. For the record, Beavers’ play callers, as amazing as Jacquizz Rodgers is you cannot give him the ball on every play. Especially when your line is tired and the defense is expecting it. Try to change it up next time. You just might win if you do.

Hot: HOO saw this one coming?

Certainly, Houston has been in a bad spot since Case Keenum’s injury earlier this season, but a loss to Rice still seemed unspeakable. Like many other teams this weekend, Houston started out slow, working their way back from a 20 point deficit at one point. But it looked like they were going to be able to pull out the win after taking a three point lead in the fourth quarter. But the Owls would not have it. They scored on the next drive and then ensured victory after Houston’s quarterback fumbled on fourth down. With only two wins this season, the Owls had plenty celebrate this weekend.

Not: BYU…….yeah. Still.

Okay, maybe it was a stretch to even begin to imagine that on their BEST day the Cougars could take down TCU. Alright, not maybe. It was more than a stretch. It was an ignorance-is-bliss-inspired leap of faith. After all, over the last three years, the Horned Frogs have been undefeated against BYU….winning by a combined score of 101-17. But still, someone needs to beat TCU and, dang it Cougars, I really wanted it to be you! Oh, oh….and, Beavers, you should be even more embarrassed about your loss because the ONLY teams BYU has been this season are San Diego State and Washington. Even Utah State beat BYU. Come on!

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